By Charlotte Underwood
CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (WLAF)- Educators make a difference in students’ lives every day. For many students, having a school employee who cares and goes that extra mile can be the difference in a successful education and graduation. We’ve all had that teacher or school employee who inspired us or helped in some way. That’s why WLAF and Eagle Tire Pros salute all of our hardworking educators with a weekly feature.
Pictured left to right is Johnathan Powell, Adriene Powell, Belinda Powell, Jase Powell and Johnny Powell.
Belinda Powell is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the Week. She is the cafeteria manager at Wynn Elementary School and has worked in the school system for nearly 20 years.
Powell was raised in Campbell County in the area of Stinking Creek and went to Wynn School K-8. She graduated from Campbell County High School in 1999.
Powell shared a little about herself and what she does in the school system.
“I am a proud momma to a wonderful son Johnathan, a diesel mechanic, and a beautiful daughter-in-law Adriene, a stay-at-home mom to Jase. My favorite thing to do is watch my precious grandbaby Jase and cook for my family,” Powell said.
She also said she “was always encouraged by her wonderful husband Johnny to do what she loves “.
When Powell was in school, her favorite educators were Ms. Shirley Cox and assistant Jewel Leffew.
Powell started working for the Campbell County School System part time while she was in high school at CCHS. In the 2007-2008 school year, she started at Caryville Elementary in the kitchen as a cook, then went to Wynn elementary as a cook, then on to White Oak Elementary as cafeteria manager, and now she is back at Wynn Elementary serving as the cafeteria manager.
“It has been a very rewarding job for me to see kids excited for what’s for breakfast and lunch. My favorite part is getting to announce what’s for breakfast and lunch and the kids being excited,” Powell said.
She also said she “truly believes” that this is her calling “to feed and make children smile with a good meal and full bellies!”
“I was always told to be proud of who I am and what I wanted to do which I was inspired to do by a person who said every person and every job is important. That person was Carolyn Vincent, the cafeteria manager when I was in school. I would like to say that all the lunch ladies in our county are very hard-working ladies and a job well done! I would like to thank Ms. Jamie Gillum as well,” Powell said.
Every Thursday, WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood features the WLAF – Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week. That educator also receives a free oil change from Eagle Tire Pros. To nominate a teacher for teacher of the week honors, please send your nomination to wlaf@1450wlaf.com. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-09/17/2026-6AM)
